2011 Southwest Metro League
Football Rules
Certified as of 8/20/11 and supersedes any rules prior to this date.
NOTES: Changes are in Green, if you see a discrepancy between the one page of rules and the document, the one page rule is the master.
Participating Associations & Grades
Chaska Chanhassen Football Association / 4th – 8th grades / www.chaskafootball.comEden Prairie Football Association / 4th – 8th grades / www.edenprairiefootball.com
Edina Football Association / 6th – 8th grades / www.edinasports.org.prod.ngin.com/page/show/281877-edina-football-association
Prior Lake Football Association / 6th – 8th grades / www.playinfo.org/page/show/145923-football
Shakopee Youth Football Association / 6th – 8th grades / www.shakopeefootball.com
General Rules Outline
INTENT AND SPIRIT OF THE RULES AND STRUCTURE: The intent and spirit of SWML is to simulate and to teach the basic fundamentals needed to play the game of football and to promote sportsmanship. It is our hope that our coaches and parents will not only teach this to the children but also practice it during the games.
SWML is not intended to supersede the community organization programs, but to create a unified and agreeable format for teams from various member communities’ youth to play football. We do have a number of basic rules that must be adhered to. Individual organizations may have more specific/detailed rules, however, those rules may not specifically apply to other communities.
The intent of this league is to provide an environment to expose all players to all aspects of the game. Throughout these rules, you may find that certain situations are not spelled out – at that point we refer to the National Federation of High School Rules. With that said, this is not high school where an expected level of knowledge and expertise are assumed. Please attempt to simulate game situations – however keeping in mind the level of player that you are coaching and abide by the rules, goals, intent and spirit of the program.
If an issue arises during a game, the referee has the final say on ANY rule interpretation. PLEASE do not argue the point. We would however ask that you refer any questions or issues to your organization’s SWML Representative. Please remember that as coaches and adults we are to teach and facilitate, not dictate and manipulate a game that is intended to be a fun and learning experience for ALL players.
Although we make an attempt to instruct the officials in “our rules,” they cannot be expected to understand all of the differences between our rules and high school rules. The only way it can work is that we all understand and follow the rules.
Registration, Eligibility, and Rosters
Player Eligibility / Each player must be a student enrolled in the applicable grade and not be under suspension from school.
No Outside Recruits / Players for an association must be residents of that city or surrounding area or go to a school in that school district.
Trades/ Exchanges / The exchange of players between teams is prohibited except for very unusual circumstances and with the approval of the SWML Governing Board.
Playing Up a Level / Players may, with the approval of the player’s association, play up a grade level.
Roster Dates / Official team rosters must be submitted to the SWML no later than September 1st, identifying the names, dates of birth, weights, jersey numbers, school attended and grade of each player. No player may be added to the official roster of any team after September 1st without the approval of the SWML Board.
Scheduling
Season / Practices: Begin anytime after August 1st. Each organization may have their own rules/regulations on starting dates, length, quantity, etc.Cancellations / The Program Director of the association where a game is scheduled to be played, in conjunction with the field owners will determine whether a game should be cancelled because of weather or field conditions before the start of the game. Each member association is responsible for the condition of the fields and field equipment it provides for the games. The officials have the authority to cancel a game or delay a game that is in progress.
Inclement Weather / Lightning – If you see it and hear it – CLEAR IT! Lightning can strike up to 10 miles ahead or behind a storm. Games are to be postponed IMMEDIATELY and all players/spectators and officials are to seek appropriate shelter. Games are to resume no sooner than 30 minutes after the last sight and sound of a thunder and lightning storm.
Other weather – Games will be called at the field by the referees after a discussion with both Head Coaches. Please do not assume a game will be cancelled and not show up – it will result in a forfeit.
Rescheduling / Games may be rescheduled only due to weather cancellations. It is considered a game if 3 quarters have been completed.
Due to field permit issues and rescheduling of referees, please go to the SWML website for weather cancellations reschedule game information.
Weight Limitations
Weight rules are in place for no other reason than safety issues. Players will be weighed by their
respective associations and the player’s official weight will be identified on the official team roster listed on the SWML website.
Weights are determined at equipment pickup and weigh-in. Official weight is the weight of a player in t-shirt, shorts, and without shoes. Official weight is the weight for the season. Coaches cannot weigh in their own players. The weigh-in must be done by a person on the local football association board or their representative.
Head Coaches are fully responsible for playing players in certain positions and adhering to the weight restriction rules. Any teams found not adhering to a strict weight, will be reviewed by the SWML Board.
Players qualifying for helmet stripes based on the chart below must be identified by the single or double stripe(s) being placed horizontally above the ear holes on the helmet. Stripes must be a minimum of 3 inches in length and clearly visible from the sidelines. Use a contrasting color tape to what the helmet color is (i.e. dark on light or light on dark).
Grade / Ball Carrying / Single Stripers / Double StripersPositional Limitations / None. / Offense: C, G, T, TE only.
Defense: D-line or LB only. / Offense: C, G, T only.
Defense: G, T, E only.
4th Grade / Up to 90 lbs / 91 lbs & up / n/a
5th Grade / Up to 100 lbs / 101 lbs & up / n/a
6th Grade / Up to 115 lbs / 116 lbs to 130 lbs / 131 lbs & up
7th Grade / Up to 140 lbs / 141 lbs to 180 lbs / 181 lbs & up
8th Grade / Up to 155 lbs / 156 lbs to 195 lbs / 196 lbs & up
Restricted Players (Double Stripers) =
Restricted Players can ONLY line up in an interior line position (Center, Guard, or Tackle) on both offense and defense. These players may NOT go downfield for a pass.
A Restricted Player can be used as a kicker or punter. However, when punting may move laterally to avoid defensive pressure but may NOT advance the ball by run, pass, hand-off or lateral and must only attempt to punt the ball. If a Restricted Player has possession of the ball on offense, defense, or special teams, the play is immediately whistled dead.
Designated Players (Single Stripers) –
In addition to playing Restricted Player positions, Designated Players may line up as a Tight End or Defensive End. This “Designated Player” tight end CANNOT split out wide at any time and must be no more than one yard from the nearest tackle.
A Designated Player may advance the ball on offense ONLY by a legal forward pass caught BEYOND the line of scrimmage. A Designated player CANNOT receive the pitch on a hook and ladder play, they can catch and pitch.
A Designated Player can be used as a kicker or punter and is subject to the same limitations as a Restricted Player in this position. They cannot return a punt at any time during the game. If they catch a short punt, the ball is dead at that spot. However, a “Designated Player” may advance a fumble or interception. If a “Designated player” receives an onside kick, they can advance the ball as long as they are on the front line, if they are behind the front line, the ball is dead at the spot once they control the ball.
A Designated or Restricted Player in an eligible position shall result in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
Ball Carrying Players (No Stripes)
“Ball Carrying” players can line up in a position to carry or receive the football (running backs, quarterbacks, flankers and ends). They can also play ANY position on defense.
Equipment
Field / The HOME team will be responsible for the down marker and chains. The Visiting coach may request to have one attendant be on ‘Chain Gang”.Football Size (recommended) / 4th – 6th: Junior or Youth (old 100) / 7th: (Junior or Youth) 8th: Youth (old 200)
It is up to each team as to what size ball they use.
Game Balls / Each offense may use its own football as long as it is an official size and inflated to standard high school rules. If multiple balls are being used in a game, the kicking team must kickoff with opposition’s football.
Fields
Field Size / 4th & 5th: 80x40 yards / 6th – 8th: 100x53 yardsTeam Location / It is recommended that the team benches will be on opposite sides of the field where feasible.
Field Inspection &
Maintenance / Pre game field inspection – the Home team coach is to do a brief overview of the field and equipment. If anything is considered to unsafe, they must correct or contact the field coordinator prior to game play.
Coach’s Box / 25 yard line to 25 yard line.
Coaches and Fans
On-Field Coaches / 4th-5th: One coach for the offense and one coach for the defense can be in the huddle and on the field during the plays. Coaches on field must stay 15 yards behind the line of scrimmage and remain silent once offensive line is set and until the play is completed. (5-yard penalty). / 6th-8th: No coaches on the field. Plays must be signaled in or use a player to run the play in.Coaches
Requirements and Conduct. / • Each association is responsible for providing coaches for each team and no more than five (5) coaches may be on the sidelines during a game.
• If Bleachers or grandstand arrangements are available at games (ie: HS stadiums). Parents MUST be seated in the stands regardless of side. 5 Coach rule in effect. Delay of Game penalty may be enforced if not in compliance.
• Disciplinary - If a Coach or a member of a Coaching team is ejected from any game, regardless of the situation, they are prohibited from being on the same side line as their team for a minimum of one game (the next game).
General -Coaches, Players and Fans / • Cheering and positive encouragement of players, coaches and fans embodies the spirit of athletics. Any conduct that is in direct conflict of good sportsmanship, by players, coaches and fans can result in ejection from the game and sporting area.
• No coach, player or fan will disrespectfully argue a decision of a referee. Discussing and trying to understand a referee’s decision is allowed as long as it is done in a respectful, calm and civil manner by coaches only.
• No coach, player or fan will yell obscenities at or denigrate any player, coach, referee or fan.
• Physical or verbal abuse by any coach, player or fan is cause for dismissal from current and future SWML games.
· Players, coaches and fans are not to chastise, give hints, help or instruct referees.
Referees
Number of Officials / 4th – 5th: Two(2) referees assigned to each game. / 6th – 8th: Three(3) referees assigned to each game.Hired by / Officials are hired by the home team.
Referee
Authority / • Referees will only be communicating with the Head Coach, Head Coach designate or coach on the field to eliminate confusion and other potential issues.
• In a situation where any player, coach, or spectator is displaying Unsportsmanlike conduct, the referees shall have the right to request that the HEAD Coach or any coach designee remove the offender(s) from the playing and viewing area, and can suspend play until this is done. If a suitable resolution is not resolved in a reasonable amount of time (as determined by the referee), the referee has the right to call a forfeit.
• Referees will officiate each game in accordance with League rules. If league rules do not specifically address a specific situation, National Federation of High School Rules will apply.
• Referees have final decision-making authority during the course of a game. (Also see Cancellations)
Referees and
Rules / Please note that the referees also referee at various levels. Certain rules have been modified to accommodate the goals of our league. At times there may be confusion as to specific rules and rules modification. Also consider that due to the number of referees vs. the number of players and various actions on the field, it is nearly impossible to see everything that happens on the field.
• We are also asking referees to understand the level and ability of the kids – though it is optional, we give them the authority to offer ‘warnings’ to teach and make kids aware of potential infractions (i.e.: lining up offsides, holding etc…).
• We ask that the referees try when possible to communicate the warning to the Head Coach as well.
• We as coaches must remember that the Referees do not have any stake in the outcome of the game.
• We ask that regardless of the situation that the adults involved show a mutual respect towards each other and set a positive example of sportsmanship for the players.
Rules 'Review' / If during a game, a coach believes that a ruling by a referee is not correct in accordance with the rules, a coach may call a timeout. At that time BOTH Head Coaches and the referees are to come together to calmly and professionally discuss & review the rule. It is the responsibility of the Coach who called the timeout to have the proper documentation to address the rule. If the ruling is overturned due to the timeout and discussion, the timeout is not charged. If the ruling on the field stands, the timeout will be charged to the team who called the timeout. Referees have final decision-making authority during the course of a game.
If Referees are a "No-Show" / If Referees do not show up for your game, we ask that a coach notify the SWML soon after your game. Please do not hold up your game, especially if there is another game scheduled after your game. We want to limit the number of avoidable late starts.
**Recommended Solutions**:
• If there is another game nearby that has 2-3 referees, please contact them and notify them that you do not have a referee and ask for their assistance.
• If an official referee is not an option, coaches should get together. We ask that they mutually agree to each select one responsible adult representative from each side to referee the contest.
Rules – General